Week 3 - Day 13

Robotics Lesson Plan - Space Travel - Multiple Day Mission

 

Objectives:

  • Students will apply knowledge of robotics to meet the requirements of the challenge

  • Students will analyze the actions of the robot to determine multiple uses

  • Identify and research terrain of a specified planet in the solar system

  • Design a robot rover to be sent to a specified planet in the solar system

  • Development and Design on mission objectives related to the tasks assigned

 

Materials:

  • Lego Robotics Kits

  • Student Activity Instruction Sheet 3.3

 

Activity 1:  Mission Objectives

Approx 90 minutes

 

In this mission, students must research the planet Mars.  In their research, students will determine what facts we already know about the planet Mars.  Students are to develop a purpose for visiting Mars.  Their purpose will be expressed in at least 3 mission objectives and a proposed launch date.  Students should be encouraged to use their imagination in the development of their missions, such as:

1.      What do they expect to find?

2.      How long will it take to find this object?

3.      What can this object be used for?

4.      What potential benefits could this object hold for new inventions?

 

After the development of their mission, students need to design a rover that can accomplish their mission.  Students are required to include at least 3 elements in their rover from the following:

1.      Camera to take a picture of the planet

2.      Light Sensor

3.      Touch sensor

4.      Collection device

5.      Ability to travel over steep inclines

6.      Ability to travel over valley and craters

7.      Ability to travel over rough terrain

8.      Ability to travel through water or sand

 

In the research of the planet Mars, students should identify what type of features their robots should have in order to be successful. 

 

Student Products from this activity should be:

  1. Written mission objectives

  2. Determined launch date in accordance with NASA

  3. A launch site on earth

  4. A landing site on planet

  5. A drawn diagram or blueprint of the rover for the mission